Is the Xbox One Still Worth Buying in 2025?

09/10/2025 Spray

In the rapidly evolving world of gaming, console generations often come and go with a predictable rhythm. Yet, some systems linger, holding a unique place in the hearts of gamers and the market alike. The Xbox One, originally launched in 2013, is one such console. As we step into 2025, a natural question arises for budget-conscious consumers and nostalgic enthusiasts: Is the Xbox One still a viable purchase? This article delves into the current landscape of the Xbox One, examining its market position, game availability, performance, and overall value in an era dominated by its successors, the Xbox Series X and Series S.

The Xbox One’s Place in 2025: A Look at the Market

Is the Xbox One Still Worth Buying in 2025?

By 2025, the Xbox One has officially been discontinued from manufacturing for several years. Microsoft ceased production of the Xbox One X and the digital Xbox One S in 2020, with all Xbox One console production ending in 2020 [1, 2, 3]. This strategic move was made to focus entirely on the production of the newer generation consoles, the Xbox Series X and Series S, to meet their demand [4].

Despite its discontinuation, the Xbox One still holds a significant presence in the gaming community. As of July 2025, lifetime unit sales for the Xbox One reached nearly 57.96 million units worldwide [5, 6]. While hardware sales for older consoles naturally decline, the ecosystem continues to thrive through content and services revenue, which saw a 13% increase for Xbox in Q4 2025 [7]. This indicates a shift in focus from hardware sales to recurring revenue streams like Xbox Game Pass and digital game purchases.

The market for pre-owned Xbox One consoles remains active, offering an affordable entry point into console gaming. However, potential buyers should be aware that they are purchasing a console that is no longer in production, meaning new units are scarce and support for hardware may become more challenging over time.

Game Availability and Performance in 2025

One of the most critical factors when considering an older console is its game library and how well it runs modern titles. In 2025, the Xbox One benefits significantly from Microsoft’s commitment to backward compatibility. The console can play a vast library of Xbox 360 and original Xbox games, alongside its own extensive catalog [8]. Furthermore, many new games released in 2025 are still being developed with cross-generation compatibility in mind, meaning they are playable on the Xbox One, albeit often with visual and performance compromises compared to the Xbox Series X/S [9].

However, it’s important to manage expectations regarding performance. The Xbox One, particularly the original model, struggles to run the latest graphically intensive games at high resolutions or frame rates. While the Xbox One X offered a significant power bump, enabling 4K gaming for some titles, it still cannot match the raw processing power and SSD-driven load times of the Series X/S. Players on an Xbox One in 2025 might experience longer loading screens, lower resolutions, and less stable frame rates in newer titles. Some upcoming games may also eventually drop support for the Xbox One entirely as developers increasingly focus on the capabilities of current-generation hardware.

Xbox Game Pass remains a compelling service for Xbox One owners, offering a rotating library of hundreds of games for a monthly subscription. Many of these titles are optimized for the Xbox One, providing excellent value and a constant stream of new content without needing to purchase individual games [10].

The Value Proposition: Who Should Buy an Xbox One in 2025?

Given its status in 2025, the Xbox One isn’t for everyone. However, it presents a strong value proposition for specific types of gamers:

•Budget-Conscious Gamers: For those looking to enter console gaming without breaking the bank, a pre-owned Xbox One can be found at a significantly lower price point than a new Xbox Series X/S. This makes it an attractive option for casual gamers or families.

•Gamers with Existing Libraries: If you have a substantial digital or physical library of Xbox One, Xbox 360, or original Xbox games, the Xbox One allows you to continue playing these titles without needing to upgrade to a new console immediately.

•Casual Gamers: If you primarily play older titles, indie games, or are not concerned with having the absolute best graphics and frame rates, the Xbox One still offers a perfectly enjoyable gaming experience.

•Xbox Game Pass Subscribers: The Xbox One is an excellent companion for an Xbox Game Pass subscription. The vast majority of Game Pass titles are playable on the Xbox One, providing an immense amount of content for a relatively low monthly fee.

However, if you are a hardcore gamer who demands the latest graphics, highest frame rates, and shortest loading times, or if you want to play all upcoming AAA titles without compromise, then investing in an Xbox Series X or Series S would be a more suitable choice. The performance gap between the Xbox One and the current generation will only widen as developers increasingly optimize games for the newer hardware.

Conclusion

In 2025, the Xbox One is certainly not the cutting-edge console it once was. Its manufacturing has ceased, and new game development is increasingly geared towards the Xbox Series X/S. However, to dismiss it entirely would be a mistake. For the budget-conscious, the casual gamer, or those with an extensive existing library, the Xbox One still offers a compelling and affordable entry into the Xbox ecosystem, especially when paired with Xbox Game Pass. Its robust backward compatibility ensures a massive library of playable games, and many new titles continue to offer cross-generational support.

Ultimately, the decision of whether the Xbox One is worth buying in 2025 depends on individual needs and expectations. If you prioritize affordability and access to a vast game library over bleeding-edge performance and graphics, the Xbox One can still provide many hours of entertainment. However, if you crave the latest and greatest in gaming technology, the future clearly lies with the Xbox Series X and Series S.